Braintree High School graduates 361 seniors

James Mahoney, Braintree High School's student council president, wishes he had more time as a Wamp. At the Class of 2014's graduation on Saturday, Mahoney urged his classmates to use the past four years as proof that time flies and the present moment should never be unwanted.

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By Patrick Ronan

The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA

By Patrick Ronan

Posted May. 31, 2014 at 4:04 PM
Updated Jun 1, 2014 at 9:28 PM

By Patrick Ronan

Posted May. 31, 2014 at 4:04 PM
Updated Jun 1, 2014 at 9:28 PM

BRAINTREE

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Valedictorian: Ryan Martin

Salutatorian: Christopher Redington

Class president: Stephen Leary

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Valedictorian: Ryan Martin

Salutatorian: Christopher Redington

Class president: Stephen Leary

Class colors: Blue and White

Graduates: 361

Quote of the day: "Life is too short to be stuck inside a comfort zone, living in fear of the judgment of others and not taking chances." – James Mahoney, Braintree High School senior and student council president

BRAINTREE – Whether it was sitting through a class, laboring over homework or feeling timid socially, every member of Braintree High School’s Class of 2014 had, at some point in four years, wished he or she was anywhere else but high school, James Mahoney said.

But now that it’s over, Mahoney, Braintree High School’s student council president, wishes he had more time as a Wamp. He urged his classmates to use Saturday’s graduation at Alumni Stadium as proof that time flies and the present moment should never be unwanted.

“Each and every minute we have on this earth is a gift, and every second you spend holding back or trying to be something you’re not is a waste of precious time you will never get back,” Mahoney said.

Salutatorian Christopher Redington praised his classmates for embracing the diversity within the class, joining after-school clubs and contributing to “the greatest year in the history of Braintree High School athletics.”

Valedictorian Ryan Martin shared advice that was given to him by one of his soccer coaches, a mantra also used by New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick: “Do your job.” Martin said this means working hard and being accountable, whether it’s as an employee, a friend, a family member or a citizen.

“No matter where you end up, and no matter what you are doing, do your job,” Martin said.

The class president, Stephen Leary, was in the middle of his speech when he snapped a selfie with his phone.

“Now I just made a memory I will remember for the rest of my life,” Leary said.